In the last three years, the sugar market has experienced a cycle of more advantageous prices in relation to ethanol. According to Rodrigo Penna de Siqueira, CFO of Jalles Machado (), this scenario led the sector to invest and expand its sugar production capacity. “The sugar premium allowed for greater investment in crystallization. In some fortnights of this year, the sugar mix reached 54%, and Jalles is an example of this”, he explained.
He was a guest on the most recent episode of Business Rootits road between the countryside and Faria Lima, a partnership between InfoMoney e TheAgriBiz.
In the conversation, Siqueira highlighted that, until a few years ago, the sector reached a maximum of 48% sugar mix. Today, Jalles plants operate with more flexibility. “The Jalles unit had a 60% mix, Otávio Lage, 45%, and Santa Vitória, which we purchased at the end of 2022, was 100% ethanol. We increased Otávio Lage to 60% and built a sugar factory in Santa Vitória, opened in 2024. Today we have one with 60%, another with 60% and another with 50%”, detailed the executive.
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Siqueira also commented on the recent debate in the United States about replacing corn syrup with cane sugar in soft drinks. “When the news came out that Trump supports this exchange, I went to calculate the impact. If Coca-Cola alone migrated, it would be 1.5 million tons more sugar. And, if the entire American soft drink industry adopted it, it would be 3 million tons – an increase of 2% in the world market.”
He explained that the discussion involves health issues. “Corn fructose generates a very high glycemic peak. Cane sugar has more balanced absorption.”
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For the financial director, global sugar consumption continues to grow, especially in Africa and Asia. “In developed countries, consumption has not grown in the last 30 years, but obesity has increased for other reasons, such as excess pasta and flour. Sugar remains at the same level and is very good, you just can’t overdo it”, he concluded.
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In the quick questions segment, Rodrigo shared personal references. A very impactful book for him was ‘Built to Last’, by Jim Collins. Furthermore, he also likes suspense series, such as Prison Break, and the song ‘Tocando em Frente’, by Almir Sater: “inspiring and my father’s favorite.”
Regarding success, he highlighted: “it means being able to leave a legacy, impacting people close to you, transmitting values of ethics and seriousness. Always remembering society, the community and educating children so that they can be happy and good people.”
